Band Interview: Straight Line Stitch

Question: I have to start with the obvious point. Metal, and even rock in general, have historically been seen as not only “boys clubs,” but predominantly white. But as time passes and we see more and more diversity in acts and audiences, it seems to become more commonplace to think of what was once a novelty as “no longer big of a deal.” In your experience(s), have you come across more adversity or welcome based on your race or gender in having a career in this type of music? Or have you not noticed any difference at all?

Alexis Brown (vocals): When I first started out, it wasn’t so much my race, but more so when I came out [in music] there wasn’t a lot of females in metal, and I think that’s what shocked a lot of people. But now… there’s a bunch of women coming up and stuff. At first… I wouldn’t say that it was an adversity, but it was more like, “Wow, I can’t believe that’s a chick.”

Question: It was a surprise?

Alexis Brown: Yes. To a lot of people.

Jackie Bergjans (guitar): Same thing for me. I still get, all the time, people come up to me after a show and they’ll be like, “Damn, you were good! For a girl.”

Alexis Brown: Yeah, token comment.

Jackie Bergjans: “Thanks. Because I didn’t know having boobs made a difference in playing an instrument.” You know, so yeah I still get that. It doesn’t bother me anymore.

Alexis Brown: You kind of have to blow off the whole thing. Even when you’re on stage, you have some idiot, “SHOW US YOUR TITS!”